Tenerife

Spain

Puerto Santiago Travel Guide

Puerto Santiago is the central holiday resort of three separate
ones, Los Gigantes, Playa Arena and Puerto Santiago, which have
spread and essentially merged into each other on Tenerife's west
coast, forming the area's largest tourist hub, collectively known
as Los Gigantes. The resort of Puerto Santiago was once a small
fishing village, but is now a popular holiday destination garnering
rave reviews from most tourists and visitors. Puerto Santiago
boasts a small but decent selection of bars, restaurants, shops and
activities to suit the tourist palette. Puerto Santiago has managed
to retain some of its traditional charm and offers visitors the
chance to relax and enjoy a seaside break with local Spanish
flavour; although some visitors might take a while to get
accustomed to the black sand beach. The resort is peaceful and
well-suited to relaxed beach holidays in beautiful surroundings.
Puerto Santiago doesn't have much to offer the young party crowd,
but it is only a short drive to more energetic resorts, like Playa
de las Americas.

There is no shopping district in Puerto Santiago, but there is
an assortment of shops that cater for tourists. Shopping on the
island of Tenerife is tax-free, so it is possible to find good
deals on cigarettes, perfume, alcohol, electronics, and other
goods. Although Puerto Santiago is not a shopping hub, there is a
larger variety of shops in neighbouring resorts like Los Gigantes.
A unique souvenir from Tenerife is the locally-produced sweet rum
called Ron Miel.

There is the usual assortment of international restaurants in
Puerto Santiago, but the local Canarian eateries and tapas bars are
the best. Try some of the delicious traditional dishes, such as
roast chicken in banana cream or 'wrinkly potatoes' in the local
mojo picón sauce. One of the most popular
restaurants in Puerto Santiago is Pancho, while TJ's Entertainment
Bar serves pub food like sandwiches and pies and is also
well-loved.

Most of the entertainment in Puerto Santiago is provided by the
hotels. The nightlife is fairly laid back and many bars close at
midnight. After dark entertainment usually consists of relaxed
drinks and drawn-out meals. However, those wanting to dance the
night away can make the short trip to one of the other nearby
resorts, like Playa de las Americas, which offer more of a party
scene. The proximity of Puerto Santiago to such nightlife hubs
allows visitors the best of both worlds: the peaceful, quiet resort
atmosphere, and the fun Tenerife nightlife.

Puerto Santiago's black sand beach is European Blue Flag
accredited. There are also boat trips, walks, visits to
neighbouring Playa la Arena and Los Gigantes, day trips to nearby
towns and points of interest, and much more to be enjoyed. Many
hotels also offer their own entertainment programmes. For those
visiting in July, the annual fiesta and fireworks display in honour
of Our Lady Carmen is not to be missed. The main activity is sun
tanning on the gorgeous beaches, but the restless will find plenty
of other activities and diversions.